The University of the Philippines (UP) and the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM-MBHTE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a memorandum of agreement (MOA) at UP Diliman in Quezon City on June 14.
According to a news article posted on UP's website, the MOU formalized the agreement between the two parties on formulating activities in mutual interest. Future programs will include both academic and public service areas.
UP President Danilo Concepcion and MBHTE Director-General for Basic Education Abdullah Salik Jr., representing Minister Mohagher Iqbal, signed both documents.
Some of those programs under MOU are "the offering of graduate or certification extension programs, pre-service or in-service capacity-building for teachers, deployment of UP "Gurong Pahinungod", establishing a Bangsamoro junior scientist program, enhancing a physical education and sports development program, research and capacity-building in food science and technology, exploring the possibility of establishing a tribal university, enriching Madaris education, strengthening the culture of educational research, and the promotion and cultivation of the Bangsamoro history, culture, and artistic tradition."
Meanwhile, the MOA involves the "Ugnayan ng Pahinungod" for implementing a term of the MOU. The UP volunteer teachers will help the MBHTE in creating and executing adaptive learning materials and educational innovations.
“I welcome this partnership as an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the culture and history of Bangsamoro," said Concepcion.
The ceremony held at Quezon Hall was witnessed by UP’s "Ugnayan ng Pahinungod" Director Marie Therese Bustos and MBHTE Director General for Madaris Education Tahir Nalg. (Luisa Cabato)